I had been limping along with an old gas cooktop for almost 30 years. It hadn't enough power to sear or really get things boiling. I love to cook and this cooktop is a tremendous tool. Last night I seared steaks to perfection and finished them with a wine/shallot pan sauce, quickly. Little things like bringing a pot to boil for pasta are so much faster. I'm looking forward to canning season, and using the powerful middle burner.